I dont know if they really inspire me, but one I am fond of for it's lightheartedness and humor is a misquoting of Miyamoto Musashi.
"The battlefield is a venue to show what you have learned, and how well. If your opponent falters, engage him. If you falter, engage him. If both you and your opponent falter, engage him. There can only be three outcomes of a duel. One! You cut your opponent. In this case, kill him. Two! Your opponent cuts you. In this case, kill him. Three! Both you and your opponent cut each other at the same time. In this case, kill him." This is usually followed by a "RHAANNNNNN" which is echoed back by the rest.

_________________The future is all around us, waiting in moments of transition, to be born in moments of revelation. No one knows the shape of the future, or where it will take us. We know it is always born in pain.

In your average field battle, I would say that a person giving commands its more commonplace and acceptable.

As for speeches, I think they are excellent in realm, unit, and bridge battles at events. I think they help inspire confidence and pride in your unit leaders/commanders and the units/realms themselves. As well as occasionally turning the tide of battle.

_________________Borric the JustKnight of NumenorNumenorian Ambassador to Muxlovia

Sir, today you have definetly earn your title of "chode master" today.

This thread is a whopping 3 years old. I wasn't even fighting when this thread was started. YOU probably didn't even know fighting EXISTED! You have become King of the Necromancers, a god among mere normal chodes. Your chodery will ring down for generations to come.

Seriously, check dates before you post, this is redonkulis.

_________________King of DunharrowCommander of Clan of the HydraBiggy Biggy JRather Large JamesJames of Enviable GirthJimmington

I believe speeches before fights are neccessary. They inspire and help get your team (and the speaker) worked up and eager for battle. If a proper speech is made, the team will have more morale, confidence and aggressiveness at the start. Battle speeches are for reminding your team what they are fighting for and why they should win.